Entering the Austrian Grand Prix, events at the previous race remained the talk of the Formula 1 paddock.
Specifically, the late-stage incident between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
It was a moment many believed would be coming, as the two McLaren teammates and contenders for the F1 Drivers’ Championship clashed on track in the closing laps of the Canadian Grand Prix. Norris came out on the wrong end of that battle, losing a front wing and ending his race as he tried to overtake Piastri for fourth place.
As you might expect, Thursday’s media day at Red Bull Ring included much discussion about that incident.
Speaking during the FIA Press Conference, Piastri noted that there would be no change to the much-discussed “Papaya Rules” that govern the rules of engagement between the two McLaren teammates.
“Nope. Same as always,” said Piastri when asked by host Tom Clarkson about the Papaya Rules. “What happened in Canada wasn’t ideal, but we’re still free to race, still fighting for a championship each. So, no, keep going racing and make sure that we don’t come into contact again.”
Piastri then elaborated about how the team has handled the situation with two fast drivers at the front of the field, pointing to the team’s healthy lead in the Constructors’ Championship as an advantage on that front.
“I mean, we’ve been doing things in terms of strategy to just try and get the best result for each car. I was trying to beat the cars ahead of me, and we wanted to give me enough laps to try and pass them. It is a difficult position,” began Piastri.
“I think the fact that we’ve got a healthy lead in the Constructors’ Championship makes that a little bit easier to manage, but it’s obviously a tough situation. I think we’ve done a very good job of managing things, of pre-empting things, and not being naive that, whilst it’s a good position to be in with two strong drivers and a good lead in the Constructors’ Championship, it obviously does have certain aspects of that job.”
Later in the session, Piastri was asked if having a “healthy” lead in the Drivers’ Championship race might see McLaren give him preferential treatment. The Australian driver dismissed the notion that his lead was “healthy” — he currently leads his teammate by 22 points — and reiterated his belief that the team is doing right by both drivers.
“Your version of healthy is much bigger than mine,” started Piastri.
“I think, for me, I just want—and we all want—a fair opportunity trying to win both championships. Especially in the Drivers’ Championship, because ultimately, it can only be one of us. I think the situation has to change dramatically to start having those conversations, and they’re a very long way away at the moment,” continued Piastri. “So at the moment, all I can ask for is a fair chance to try and win the championship, and that’s what I want as well. No, I’m not willing to enter those talks at all.
“I think the biggest and most important thing was just that things remained fair from as many aspects as you can,” added Piastri.
“Obviously, there are certain situations that are not always going to be completely fair—whether it’s strategy, because there’s only one pit box, or some other things. But I think that’s the biggest thing for both of us.
“Obviously, the first rule, regardless of whether it’s written down or not, is that the two cars from the same team don’t crash. I think that’s the big thing. In Canada, what we’ve done well this year is acknowledging that it’s a possibility. I think we dealt with it very well in Canada and since Canada. I don’t have anything else,” Piastri added. “I think what we’re doing and the way we’re going about things is the correct approach. It’s obviously a difficult one to navigate, but that’s a good problem to have in some ways. What we’ve been doing is good, and just a fair opportunity is what we both ask for.”
Ultimately, Piastri indicated that he and the team were looking forward to just “going racing again.”
“We spoke about it honestly before we even got back to the team. Lando put his hands up and apologized. So, all good and looking forward to going racing again.”
